ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On Sunday, February 28, 2021, local state legislators will join the Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC) powered by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Sheriff Pat Labat, Fulton County Board of Commissioners Vice-Chair Natalie Hall, Hammonds House Museum and a diverse array of grassroots community organizations to culminate Black History Month in service. Scheduled from 12 noon – 3 pm at the Hammonds House Museum, located at 503 Peeples Street, SW, in the historic West End neighborhood, the coalition of civic, elected and cultural leaders will be providing free food, PPE and other critical items to individuals and families in need.
Sunday’s event is being organized by the national non-profit, Social Change, through support from BLACC and AHF.
WHAT: |
Community Food Drive providing FREE Food and PPE to food insecure individuals and families to culminate Black History Month |
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Note: Organizers will distribute over 10,000 pounds of fresh groceries and thousands of masks to all who walk or drive up. |
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WHEN: |
Sunday, February 28, 2021 |
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12 noon – 3:00 pm |
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WHERE: |
The Historic Hammonds House Museum |
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503 Peeples Street, SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 |
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WHO: |
State Representative Nan Grogan Orrock |
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State Representative Sonya McLaughlin Halpern |
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State Representative Rhonda Taylor |
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State Representative Mesha Mainor |
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State Representative Stacey Evans |
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Fulton County Sheriff Patrick “Pat” Labat |
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Fulton County Board of Commissioners Vice-Chair, Natalie Hall |
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Todd Belcore, Executive Director, Social Change |
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Imara Canady, Chair, Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition |
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Donna Watts-Nunn, Operations Manager, Hammonds House Museum |
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Other event partners include: W.E.N.D., Inc., GA Familias Unidas, Everyone Eats Foundation, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, The Promote Positivity Movement w/ Hannah Joy Gebresilassie, Documented by Fulani Jabri Banksy and Mike Ross |
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WHY: |
According to Feed America, African American households face hunger at a rate more than twice that of white, non-Hispanic households. And getting enough to eat is a consistent struggle for 1 in 4 African American children. According to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, in metro Atlanta 1 in 8 individuals are food insecure, 1 in 6 children are food insecure and 1 in 13 seniors age 60 and over are food insecure. |
In addition to the food and PPE being distributed, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) will be providing free, rapid, confidential HIV testing, with an opportunity for attendees to win a $50 Kroger gift card.
Social Change’s Executive Director, Todd Belcore, noted, “It’s important that the world understand that saying Black Lives Matter isn’t a political statement–it’s a cry for help. Learning and celebrating Black History is paramount to helping people understand that. That’s why I can’t be more grateful for all the leaders of every color, sector and belief who have come together today to respond to their neighbor’s cry by meeting some of our neighbors' urgent needs and honoring the life, legacy and contributions of Black people in America. This is the sort of energy that creates the space for understanding and–with that–real progress. And I cannot think of a better manifestation of Dr. Woodson’s vision than that.”
“We are honored to partner with these wonderful organizations to bring much needed resources to our neighbors in Southwest Atlanta,” states Donna Watts-Nunn, Operations Manager at Hammonds House Museum. “In addition to presenting arts and cultural events, Hammonds House Museum has a long history of community service.”
ABOUT SOCIAL CHANGE. Social Change is a national nonprofit committed to liberation via storytelling, organizing, direct action, policy advocacy & storytelling. Check them out at www.socialchange.site and follow them @ATLsocialchange.
ABOUT BLACC / AHF
The Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (BLACC) powered by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (“AHF”), is a coalition of Black-American cultural influencers and health advocates, that through the use of innovative, culturally relevant messaging and initiatives, are revolutionizing outreach to the Black American community and elevating the education and awareness of sexual health and wellness and bringing greater awareness to the social justice issues disproportionately impacting the health and wellness of Black Americans. Learn more at blacc.net.
ABOUT HAMMONDS HOUSE MUSEUM
For over 30 years, Hammonds House Museum has been a mecca for people seeking inspiration, interaction, and intellectual stimulation centered on art of the African Diaspora. Nestled in Atlanta’s historic West End community, Hammonds House seeks "to preserve, exhibit, interpret and increase public awareness about the contributions that visual artists of African descent have made to world culture" is the underpinning of the institution's ongoing work. Artistic excellence, culture and community is the focus of our vision. Learn more at hammondshouse.org.
